Candidates vie for party’s support in Sept. 10 primary
Delaware residents will head to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 10, to vote in the state’s primary election. Also, early voting and permanent absentee ballots are back for the 2024 General Election after the Delaware Supreme Court unanimously vacated a February Superior Court decision that said they were unconstitutional.
Early voting for the primary, however, was never an issue since it was clear in the state constitution that it is allowed.
The Supreme Court, in a 5-0 decision this June, ruled that Delawareans will retain the right to early voting and permanent absentee voting in all primary, general and special elections.
Officials said in the last election, 56,000 Delawareans used early voting, and about 21,000 – including veterans, the disabled and caregivers – used permanent absentee ballots.
Early voting in Delaware began Aug. 28, and will continue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Saturday, Aug. 31, and again Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Times will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday, Sept. 4 to 8.
Sussex County locations include:
- American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro
- Department of Elections Warehouse, 542 S. Bedford St., Georgetown
- Ellendale Fire Hall, 302 Main St., Ellendale
- Margaret H. Rollins Community Center, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes
- Millville Community Center, 32517 Dukes Drive, Millville.
Primary election day polling places
LEWES
Lewes Fire Hall - 347 Savannah Road
Lewes Public Library - 111 Adams Ave.
Cape Henlopen High School - 1250 Kings Hwy.
Frederick Thomas Middle School - 910 Sussex Drive
New Covenant Presbyterian Church - 3072 Savannah East Drive
Beacon Middle School - 19483 John J. Williams Hwy.
Lewes Elementary School - 820 Savannah Road
Love Creek Elementary - 19488 John J. Williams Hwy.
Sussex Consortium - 17344 Sweetbriar Road
Conley’s United Methodist Church - 33106 Jolyns Way
REHOBOTH BEACH
Rehoboth Fire Hall - 219 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Elementary - 500 Stockley St. Ext.
Rehoboth Fire Co. Station 2 - 36027 Airport Road
Epworth United Methodist Church - 19285 Holland Glade Road
MILTON
Milton Elementary - 512 Federal St.
Mariner Middle School - 1631 Harbeson Road
H.O. Brittingham Elementary - 402 Mulberry St.
The Crossing - 15183 Route 1
COOL SPRING/HARBESON
Cool Spring Presbyterian Church Hall - 28842 Log Cabin Hill Road
LONG NECK/ANGOLA/OAK ORCHARD/MILLSBORO
American Legion Post 28 - 31768 Legion Road
Long Neck Elementary - 26064 School Lane
Indian River Fire Hall - 32628 Oak Orchard Road
Indian River Fire Co. substation - 25375 Banks Road
Lighthouse Baptist Church - 21265 John J. Williams Hwy.
Millsboro Fire Hall - 109 E. State St.
East Millsboro Elementary - 29346 Iron Branch Road
Grace United Methodist Church - 300 E. Church St.
Millsboro Middle School - 302 E. State St.
Millsboro Civic Center - 322 Wilson Hwy.
Zoar Church Hall - 24463 Gravel Hill Road
GEORGETOWN
Sports at the Beach - 22518 Route 9
Federal Voting District - 119 N. Race St.
Delaware Technical Community College - 21179 College Drive
Sussex Tech High School - 17099 County Seat Hwy.
North Georgetown Elementary - 664 N. Bedford St.
Georgetown Elementary - 301-A Market St.
Sussex Central High School - 26026 Patriots Way
Howard T. Ennis School - 26021 Patriots Way
Voter info
The deadline to register to vote for the primary election was Aug. 17. The Delaware Supreme Court in 2022 overturned a state law allowing same-day registration.
Only registered voters from participating parties may vote. Voters who were automatically registered to vote at Division of Motor Vehicles by 11:59 p.m., Aug. 17, and have their party listed on their voter registration as No Party-AVR may change their political party affiliation at the polling place in order to vote in their party’s state primary election.
In order to vote, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, a Delaware resident, and at least 18 years old.
A 2016 law restored voting rights for felons who meet certain requirements but have not yet fully paid their fines and fees.
Convicted felons can register to vote as long as their sentence was completed, and they are not guilty of murder, bribery, improper influence, abuse of office or felony sexual offense.
Anyone convicted of a non-disqualifying felony who has completed their sentence must register to vote, even if they were previously registered to vote before their felony conviction.
For more information on eligibility, call 302-739-4277.
For more information about voting in Sussex County, go to sussexcountyde.gov/voting.
Absentee voting
Permanent absentee voting is permitted for all elections following the June 2024 Delaware Supreme Court ruling; however, in 2022, the court struck down a law that allowed no-excuse mail-in voting for Delaware residents.
Under the current application for absentee voting, a voter must check one of eight boxes explaining the reason they cannot vote in person. These include:
- A public servant of the U.S., or spouse of one, who resides outside the U.S.
- A member serving with the armed forces, Red Cross or United Service Organizations
- Business or occupations, such as students, who cannot vote in person
- Sickness or disabled, religious reasons or on vacation.
The applicant must sign and date the application. The last day the Department of Elections will mail an absentee ballot is Friday, Sept. 6, but it will still issue them until Monday, Sept. 9. Those voting by absentee ballot must return them by 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, to the Department of Elections or polling place in order to be counted.
To request an absentee ballot, go to the voter portal, ivote.de.gov.
Primary candidates
Congress
Democrats
Sarah McBride
Age: 33
Hometown: Wilmington
Family: Married late husband, Andrew Cray, in 2014; aunt of seven
Education: Cab Calloway School of the Arts and American University
Experience: “After working for former Gov. Jack Markell and former Attorney General Beau Biden, I now am privileged to represent my neighbors in the state Senate where we’ve led the way in proving that small states can do big things. I proudly led the passage of paid medical and family leave, changing the game for workers and families across the state, and passing the largest expansion of our social safety net in decades.”
Top reason for running: “I’m running for Congress because I believe the government needs to work better for workers and families, especially when hard times hit. Too many workers continue to face impossible choices and insufficient support as they grapple with common life events, from raising children to serious illness. This means we need to expand our social safety net, build an economy that strengthens the middle class, and address climate change head-on.”
Earl Cooper
Age: 60
Hometown: Wilmington
Family: Wife, Katherine; four children, Alisha Cooper-Wells, Ashlee Cooper, Earl Cooper and Aaron Cooper
Education: College
Experience: Business owner
Top reason for running: “Promoting a business-friendly environment by fostering a business-friendly environment. We aim to attract new companies, support existing businesses and create job opportunities. This could involve advocating for reduced regulations that hinder growth, supporting small businesses and investing in workforce development programs that equip residents with the skills needed in today's competitive job market. Also, safeguarding Social Security. I understand the importance of this program and am dedicated to ensuring that it remains a priority in Congress. Strengthen Social Security funding without jeopardizing benefits for current and future retirees.”
Elias Weir
No information provided
Republicans
Donyale Hall
Age: 54
Hometown: Dover
Family: Mother, 10 children and 12 grandchildren
Education: MBA in finance, undergraduate engineering degree
Experience: “I have worked in the federal government as a veterans program specialist for [Department of Labor/Veterans’ Employment and Training Services]. I currently own and operate a small business in general contracting and construction.” Gulf War Era Veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1990-94.
Top reason for running: “There’s nothing that Americans deserve more than a fair shot at a better life for themselves and their children. If you elect me, I will go to Congress to fight inflation, close the border and improve the quality of life for all Delawareans.”
John J. Whalen III
Age: None given
Hometown: Millsboro
Family: Wife, Valerie Leigh; three adult sons, John, Matthew and Mark; and six grandchildren
Education: Graduated Thomas McKean High School in 1972; University of Delaware, political science and history; Del Tech, criminal justice
Experience: Served 20 years with the Delaware State Police; residential construction for 22 years; currently retired
Top reason for running: “Illegal immigration is at a historic high, and we cannot afford to let more than 8 million illegals into our country in less than four years without doing harm to our economy and national security.”
Governor
Democrats
Bethany Hall-Long
Age: 60
Hometown: Middletown
Family: Husband, Dana; son, Brock
Education: BSN, Thomas Jefferson University; MSN, Medical University of South Carolina; PhD in health policy and nursing administration, George Mason University
Experience: State representative, 2002-08; state senator, 2008-17; lieutenant governor, 2017-present
Top reason for running: “I am running for governor to make Delaware the best place to live, work and raise a family. As governor, I will lead us into a future that implements universal childcare, fixes our public school funding formula, expands access to affordable housing and ensures we address Delawareans' everyday quality-of-life needs.”
Matt Meyer
Age: 52
Hometown: Wilmington
Family: Wife, Lauren; son, Levi
Education: Computer science and political science degree, Brown University; JD, University of Michigan; elementary education teachers certification, Trinity College
Experience: New Castle County executive for eight years
Top reason for running: “I was previously a public school teacher in one of Delaware’s most underserved communities. Fed up with unfulfilled promises from politicians and a lack of results for my students and fellow teachers, I decided to first run for office. I am now running for governor for that same reason – to deliver results for my students, my fellow teachers and all my fellow Delawareans.”
Collin O’Mara
Age: 45
Hometown: Bear
Family: Wife, Krish; daughters, Leya, Alana and Riley
Education: Marshall scholar at the University of Oxford, MA Oxon; university fellow at Syracuse University's Maxwell School, MPA; presidential scholar at Dartmouth College, BA
Experience: Cabinet secretary of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, 2009-14; president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, 2014-present
Top reason for running: “We need to fix our public schools, ensure healthcare is accessible and housing is affordable, protect open space and achieve sustainable development – not uncontrolled sprawl – and lead on climate change and resilience by restoring our beaches and Inland Bays.”
Republicans
Jerrold Price
Age: 59
Hometown: Lewes
Family: Wife, two daughters
Education: Two years of college, NYPD police academy
Experience: Worked for NYPD for 20 years, including Sept. 11, 2001
Top reason for running: “None of the politicians are doing anything about these drugs that are killing our kids.”
Mike Ramone
Age: 63
Hometown: Wilmington
Family: Wife, Lisa; children, Brittany, Ross and Nicholas; four grandchildren
Education: University of Delaware
Experience: Entrepreneur; state representative in Delaware House of Representatives, 2008-present; House minority leader, 2023-present
Top reason for running: “Thirty-two years of single-party control in Dover has failed to address the everyday issues impacting our state. For the past 16 years in the House of Representatives, where I serve as the minority leader and chair of the Small Business Caucus, I have been working on behalf of all Delawareans, and as governor, I will bring the balance, common sense and proven leadership required to simplify the state tax code, invest in our schools and turn our economy around.”
Bobby Williamson
Age: 59
Hometown: Bridgeville
Education: Seaford School District, Sussex Vocational Tech School, specialty courses in a variety of topics mostly concerning business-related subjects, along with courses pertaining to the construction fields
Experience: Owner/operator of six local businesses, working in the many aspects of the public in various manners to accomplish successful job completions and practical solutions while maintaining a peaceful harmony for all parties concerned
Top reason for running: “To give all the citizens of Delaware a voice. To remove unwarranted, overburdened mandates and governmental control overreach. To protect the historic and natural beauty of Delaware and its people.”
Lt. Governor
Democrats
Kyle Evans Gay
Age: 38
Hometown: Brandywine Hundred
Family: Husband, Olin; daughters, Ellen and Alice
Education: Boston University School of Law; Brown University
Experience: State senator for 5th District since 2020; practicing attorney with experience in both criminal and civil law, and a leader with many civic and nonprofit organizations. Previously served on Delaware’s Public Integrity Commission
Top reason for running: “My passion is serving my community and building a better future for families across Delaware. When I first ran for the state Senate, I did so to invest in our schools and kids, create an economy that works for everyone, protect the state from climate change, and foster safer communities in Delaware. We've accomplished so much, but there's more we can do with a new generation of leadership focused on innovative solutions here in the First State.”
Sherry Dorsey Walker
Age: 50
Hometown: Wilmington
Family: Husband, Dwight; aunt to Anissa, Horace III and Knox
Education: Master's in film production from Howard University; bachelor of arts from the University of Delaware in English/journalism
Experience: Elected 2018 to the Delaware House of Representatives 3rd District seat; chair of the Sunset Committee, co-chair of the Joint Sunset Oversight Legislative Sunset Committee; member of Agriculture, Economic Development/Banking/Insurance and Commerce committees; and vice chair of Revenue and Finance, and Judiciary and Veterans committees; elected 2012 to Wilmington City Council, 6th District
Top reason for running: Delaware needs a champion to fight for the needs of all residents and ensure a healthy and prosperous lifestyle for generations to come. My platform focuses on agriculture, criminal justice, economic opportunities, voting rights and access to affordable housing.
Debbie Harrington
No information provided
Insurance Commissioner
Democrats
Kayode Abegunde
Age: 45
Hometown: Bear
Family: Wife and four children
Education: BSC in accounting, MBA in finance and healthcare administration, and honorary doctorate in data management
Experience: Over 19 years of leadership in corporate and governance
Top reason for running: “I am running to advocate for the consumers on the following: 1. Equity 2. Affordability 3. Accessibility 4. Effective Regulations 5. Options.”
Trinidad Navarro
Age: 54
Hometown: New Castle
Family: Wife, Melissa; children, Hannah, Kylie and Jordan
Education: Bachelor’s degree, criminal justice, Wilmington University
Experience: New Castle County Police, 20 years; New Castle County sheriff, six years; Delaware insurance commissioner, eight years
Top reason for running: “The most important reason for running for re-election is to continue to protect and advocate for consumers while recruiting and maintaining current insurance companies to provide competitive coverage options.”
Senate 18th District
Republicans
Robert Reed
Age: 73
Hometown: Greenwood
Family: Wife, Stella; six children; 10 grandchildren
Education: Greenwood High School, U.S. Air Force
Experience: Served in the USAF until retiring in 1990; police chief, Preston, Md.; Georgetown police officer, six years; Sussex County sheriff, eight years
Top reason for running: “Concern over the direction the Legislature has taken in the past few years that lacks moral values and fails to adhere to the Delaware Constitution. Also concerned with government agencies who have imposed burdensome regulations on citizens of Sussex County.”
Dave Wilson
Age: 74
Hometown: Lincoln
Family: Wife, Carolyn
Education: High school
Experience: State senator, 18th District, 2018-present; state representative, 35th District, 2008-18; Sussex County Register of Wills, 2006-08; Register in Chancery, 1992-2000
Top reason for running: “I am running to be sure the people of the 18th District have a voice in Dover and someone to help them when they need it most.”
House 14th District
Democrats
Kathy McGuiness
Age: 57
Hometown: Rehoboth Beach
Family: Working mom, volunteer and advocate, and have been married 28 years with three children and one granddaughter with another on the way
Education: Rehoboth Elementary, Rehoboth Junior High and Cape Henlopen High School graduate; Florida Institute of Technology, bachelor of science degree in biology; Northeastern University, bachelor of science degree in pharmacy; FBI’s Citizen Academy graduate, Baltimore division
Experience: Pharmacist, Delaware’s Pharmacist of the Year 2022, and licensed Delaware Realtor; City of Rehoboth commissioner, 2000-12 and 2014-18; founding president of Rehoboth Beach Main Street and member 1996-2018, small business owner of two businesses; awarded Business and Professional Women’s Employer of the Year and Delaware’s Tourism Person of the Year
Top reason for running: “Simply put, I care about people. As a result of my years of volunteering and public service in the 14th District and statewide, I have the relationships and know how to get things done. We need to ensure all the people of the 14th have the resources right here to preserve and protect the district. I have the knowledge, experience and passion to work and ensure we have a reserved seat at the table.”
Marty Rendon
Age: 74
Hometown: Springfield, Ohio
Family: Partner, John Cianciosi
Education: Georgetown University School of Foreign Service; Georgetown University Law Center, JD
Experience: Commissioner on Delaware Human & Civil Rights Commission for five years and chair of the commission’s legislative committee; vice president for public policy and advocacy for UNICEF USA for 25 years; staff director of U.S. House Select Committee on Hunger for four years; House Rules Committee associate staff for eight years; legislative director to four members of Congress
Top reason for running: “From working in the U.S. Congress and directing congressional relations for UNICEF to chair of the legislative committee of our Delaware Human & Civil Rights Commission, my entire career has focused on bringing people together to address human needs and protect all human rights. I want to use my legislative experience to represent and serve the 14th District in the General Assembly effectively and responsively.”
Claire Snyder-Hall
Age: 59
Hometown: Sarasota, Fla.
Family: Wife, Mikki Snyder-Hall
Education: PhD, Rutgers University; BA, cum laude, Smith College
Experience: Executive director, Common Cause Delaware; consultant, Kettering Foundation; associate professor of political science, George Mason University; 13 years of political work in Delaware
Top reason for running: “This election is too important to sit out: Choice is on the ballot, democracy is on the ballot and the American dream itself is on the ballot, as we face a series of crises around housing, healthcare, education and the environment.”
House 20th District
Democrats
Stell Parker Selby
Age: 77
Hometown: Lewes and Milton
Family: Two sons, Myron D.P. Selby and Nashon R.P. Selby
Education: Bachelor’s degree in sociology/education, Delaware State University; master’s degree in education instruction and administration, University of Delaware.
Experience: Cape Henlopen teacher and administrator; postsecondary teacher and director of student teaching, Delaware State University; past member Cape Henlopen school board; served on Beebe Medical Center board, Delaware State University board, Sussex YMCA board, Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour, Delaware Historical Society, Milton Historical Society board, Milton Foundation board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Delta Kappa Gamma Society
Top reason for running: “I am running for re-election for the Representative District 20 position because I have a proven record of strong leadership skills and capabilities that are highly respected locally and in the entire state of Delaware. As a lifelong, actively involved local citizen, educator and community leader in the Cape Region and in the state of Delaware, I know the past, present and future needs of all of the residents in RD 20, Sussex County and Delaware, and they will continue ‘doing well with Stell.’"
Brian Jenkins
No information provided
House 36th District
Republicans
Patrick Smith
Age: 37
Hometown: Ellendale
Family: Married to Shannon Smith, two Labradors
Education: MBA in information systems from Wilmington University
Experience: Community volunteer, volunteer firefighter, firearms advocate, vice president of Eastern Sussex Republican Club, finance background, concerned citizen
Top reason for running: “Restore conservative ideologies and integrity to the office of state representative of District 36 which has long been deprived of it.”
Bryan Shupe
Age: 39
Hometown: Milford
Education: University of Delaware, political science
Family: Wife, Sherry; daughter, Evelyn; son, Theodore
Experience: Small business owner of Fur Baby Pet Resort and Farmacy Market; mayor of Milford, 2014-18; state representative, 2018-present
Top reason for running: “I’m running for office because our state needs leaders who can look beyond political divisions and focus on community-driven solutions. Our district deserves someone who has demonstrated the ability to listen to residents, chart a path forward and deliver results.”
Sussex County Council District 1
Mike Vincent
Age: 78
Hometown: Seaford
Education: Seaford High School graduate
Family: Wife, Elaine; a grown daughter; three grandchildren
Experience: Sales associate for NAPA for 18 years, self-employed as fire equipment salesman for 25 years and now retired; member of Sussex County Council since 2008, serving as president most of those years; former member of Seaford City Council and planning & zoning for 14 years; past chief, president and lifetime member of Seaford Volunteer Fire Department; past president of the Delaware Firefighters Association; Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club board member; past member of Delaware National Guard
Top reason for running: “The county has some big issues coming up in the next one to two years: the reassessment and volunteer fire service needs for funding. I think with my experience with both subjects, I am the most qualified to be a part of the decisions about these subjects. I have been involved with the reassessment from the beginning and will make sure it is the least burdensome to our residents as possible. As a lifelong member of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, I have a wealth of knowledge about the volunteer fire service and the potential needs and understanding the fire service from the inside. I am certainly the most qualified to help with the final decisions that the council will make to help with this issue. These are major decisions that will affect everyone, and we need to get it right the first time as they both will affect the taxpayers and their wallet.”
Christie Shirey
Age: 63
Hometown: Laurel
Family: Mother of three children who was born and raised in Laurel
Education: Graduate of Delaware Tech as a registered respiratory therapist. Most of her education came from self-learning and her many other different occupations, including radio and news announcer, graphic and sign artist, waitress, sales, and working with caregivers and seniors
Experience: Respiratory therapist who now works helping seniors; chair of a committee to plan an annual Veterans Day parade
Top reason for running: “To develop a comprehensive plan that partners with the towns, nonprofits, organizations and the people who live here to protect what we love about Western Sussex, while working to make our area affordable to those who already live here. We must take advantage of multiple grants and funding opportunities to build senior and affordable housing for the people who already live and work in our area. We also need to ease the cost of living for our low-income seniors living on less than $1,000 a month by eliminating their property tax and work to lower their costs.”
Matt Lloyd
Hometown: Laurel
Family: The middle child of 14 biological children, homeschooled, and grandson of Woody and Mary Belle Phillips of Laurel
Education: A rated FAA air traffic controller, with associates level of credits with Community College of the Air Force in Airfield Management; served seven years in Special Operations with U.S. Air Force, combat controller; multiple combat deployments overseas to Middle East, including time on Crisis Response Force
Experience: Property owner who bought and renovated rental properties for 10 years, managed a portfolio like a small business, which gave him great land-use experience; farm owner, currently raising animals and leasing land to family friends to dedicate time to public service; 40th Representative Election District chairman and president of Southern DE Toastmasters
Top reason for running: “To get under control the overdevelopment of high-end homes overwhelming our infrastructure, destroying the agriculture industry, coupled with a shortage of workforce housing and high-paying jobs.”
Sussex County Council District 2
Cindy Green
Age: 63
Hometown: Greenwood
Family: Married to Lawrence Green for 43 years with three daughters and their husbands with five grandchildren, all of Sussex County
Education: Greenwood Mennonite School and graduated from Woodbridge High School
Experience: “I have served the families and people of our community for over a decade. My experience and knowledge of government allows me to successfully implement positive, constructive change for our communities. I am the only candidate with the land-use experience to stop the overdevelopment.”
Top reason for running: “I am the only conservative running. I am the only candidate who has never voted to raise taxes. I am blessed to be able to start every day helping people and their families. I have worked to amend our zoning codes to prevent sprawl, protect our agricultural land and require developers to install road improvements and infrastructure before development occurs, not after. I want to continue my efforts and protect our families and way of life.”
Steve McCarron
Age: 47
Hometown: Bridgeville
Family: Wife, Shelly McCarron; daughter, Ava; son, Shane McCarron
Education: Bachelor of science degree from Delaware Valley University in agriculture science
Experience: Small business owner (Amp Electric LLC, Lickety Splitz Ice Cream, Singers Pizza); 30-year member of the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company and past president; former Town of Bridgeville commissioner; former Woodbridge school board member for 10 years and served as president; 20 years’ employment in agriculture; former member of the DDA Pesticide Advisory Committee
Top reason for running: “I am running to bring my experience as a community servant and a small business owner to serve the residents of District 2. Our county faces challenges, and we need experienced leaders with a proven track record, working with our other county council members and state delegation to advocate for the district.”
